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Uxbridge approves Powell Pond BMPs and parking improvements, conditions tied to funding and timing
Summary
The conservation commission approved stormwater BMPs and parking‑lot improvements at Powell Pond aimed at meeting MS4 phosphorus requirements and adding public‑education signage; the vote included conditions limiting construction timing and a recommendation to tie work start to sewer funding.
The Town of Uxbridge Conservation Commission voted May 19 to approve a package of stormwater best‑management practices and parking improvements at Powell Pond intended to help the town meet MS4 permit requirements and expand opportunities for public education.
Paul Hutnack, assistant director of the Department of Public Works, described the project as a set of smaller bioretention areas with heavy vegetation, signage for public outreach, and parking‑lot resurfacing. "We're proposing to do some BMPs to help to meet the MS4 permit," Hutnack said, adding that the design was selected through the town's MVP and capital planning processes and that the proposal aims to balance construction staging and wet‑season constraints.
Commissioners pressed on multiple items: the proximity of priority habitat and potential impacts on an endangered species, tree removals and flagging limits of disturbance, the need for stabilization and inspections before moving between phases, and whether work should be contingent on securing sewer funding or a required cistern. Several commissioners supported a condition that construction be limited between March 1 and June 15 (to protect breeding habitat) and that work not begin until sewer funding for related infrastructure is confirmed.
The commission voted to close the public hearing and to approve the Notice of Intent and stormwater permit, and—acting as caretakers of Powell Pond—approved repaving and BMP design concurrently; members added two special conditions: no construction between March 1 and June 15 and project contingency on securing funds for the sewer extension. Commissioners noted ongoing coordination between DPW and conservation staff on signage, limits of disturbance, and the final bid package.
What happens next: DPW will prepare bid documents reflecting the clarified phasing and special conditions; if the sewer funding is not secured, the commission's condition could delay or limit construction.
